The richest source of information on Weisler’s persona and musicality is an article from The Daily Alta Californiadescribing the dedication ceremony of Temple Emanu-El’sbuilding on Sutter Street.

“Shortly after 4:00 p.m. the organ gave notice that the ceremonies were commencing, and after the voluntary of Professor [Rudolph] Herold, Mr. Wiesler (a pupil of Rev. Dr. Salomon Sulzer of Vienna), the Reader of the Congregation, sang the opening hymn in truly admirable style.

“In fact, this gentleman’s chanting and reading of the Hebrew are faultless, for he combines with a symphonic baritone voice an excellent musical school[ing], and could [out] rank most of those who aim for musical honors in the worldly professions.”

– The Daily Alta California, March 24, 1866

Temple Emanu-Elregretfully accepted Cantor Alexander Weisler’sresignation in June of 1874.

Max Wolff, a German-born cantor and fellow student of Sulzer, was hired to take his place.

After completing university studies, for which he earned high honors, Max Wolffenrolled at a the Vienna Conservatory.

There he studied privately with Cantor Salomon Sulzer, who was the prime figure in the reformation of synagogue music and Cantor of Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse Temple.

Noted for his rich baritone voice and refined training, Max Wolffwas urged to join the opera.

He declined the opportunity out of respect for his father, who considered opera a debased profession.

Max Wolffinstead took the post as Cantor of the Congregation of Mannheim.

Temple Emanu-El

Temple Emanu-El of San Francisco at the time of Cantor Max Wolff

When Cantor Alexander Weislerretired from Temple Emanu-El of San Franciscoin 1874, the congregation formed a search committee that included Henry Seligman, a past president of Emanu-El who was living in Frankfurt am Main, Isaac Wormserand A. Wasserman, who were both visiting Europe at the time.

The three men urged Cantor Wolffto audition for the Temple Emanu-Elposition.

He was chosen from over a dozen candidates.

Cantor Wolffbrought high musical standards to Temple Emanu-El, which became a hallmark of the congregation.

His polished voice, musical taste, and precision in service leading were widely praised.

Cantor Wolfffell terribly ill in 1882.

He passed away in August of 1884, less than a month before the High Holidays.